So Rafa is steadily trimming down the squad and has stated he wants to work with about 25 players. Who do we think he’ll have in that core 25? Feel free to add possible players he’s yet to sign (Haller, etc.)

It was going to be difficult for him to force his way into the side as it appears that Hayden, Shelvey, Colback and Anita are all ahead of him and we also have Diame who could play a deeper role and officially Sissoko is still here and he could play deeper as well so with four definitely ahead of him, which could be six then it is probably for the best if he moves on, shame really as he was never given a chance whilst here.

Another day down without moving closer to signing anyone. Lots of hard work being done on moving people out. Iopts a bit risky to hope that once the players are out and the cash is freed up that we will be able to get who we want. Multitasking might be a bit of a stretch for the tea boy though

In less than three hours i would confidently claim that even the best cdms cant really do much to impress. I am not saying he IS any good, but anyone stating above doubt that he ISN’T aby good is guessing at best. We simply can’t know.

Mag52, I’d say matching Pardews loss record is a much tougher act to follow than that win one you pointed out, not many managers get a form guide that resembles the name of a Welsh train station, in fact he’s managed two Welsh train stations, in fact I think he’s overseen a network.

Ameobi was, by all accounts, tearing it up in training during his time here, but then rarely did anything on the pitch. I’m sure that could work both ways. A player sometimes might only produce his best during actual games.

I definitely think Saivet could take Obertong’s place at the club as official vindaloo fetcher lads. He’s not useless but instead we’re loaning him oot. Who’s going to fetch the vindaloo? Somebody must have the answer…. Does somebody else have a clause in their contract? Possibly Sissy could do it while he sulks…..

You’re going to have to be more specific Belfast mate. Are you talking very recent flop, recent flop, or fairly recent flop @22? It’s such a huge list it gets very confusing. Graham still has some of his flops penciled into our starting lineup so let’s help him out!

Oh we’re just wild about Henri And he’s just wild about Cannot do without He is from the south Can’t you hear us shout Talking with wor mouths Could you ever doubt He’s just wild about us! Huzzah Henri!!! Bring us a last vindaloo before you go mate!

I’m looking forward to seeing who starts against Cheltenham. I would put Mitro straight in there. Perez as well. Midfield could include Tiote if he’s fit and Colback, Try Hanley at the back with Clark. Surely Gamez is fit and can play by now? Anita is another option at fullback. It’s nice to have some choices at various positions for a change.

The list of failed midfielders at Newcastle in the last 10 years is staggering. We’ve gone through at least 20 flops. That is an amazing total. If I get time I’ll go back and add up their transfer fees. Then I’ll send it express mail to Ashley in a wellie with some fresh honey badger droppings.

It looks on past records that our “Scouting” has been more to do with back scratching and favours than actual football. The deal with Ferreyra epitomises the mystical shenanigans behind the scenes. It was all so much clearer in days gone by when we used the science of scouting to find genuine duds like Marcelino – or in the case of players like Geremi, the science of paleontology.

Ancient fossil footballers who have played for us: Geremi (if he had been younger and had his knees replaced he would have been decent possibly?), Sol Campbell (I’ll head it with the back of me heed since I’m faced in the wrong direction), Sir Stanley Matthews (he’s still got it, he’s only 105!).

health update

My latest checkup was yesteday and after a battery of tests the results show the cancer remains stabilized and has not spread further.

Some background - I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in February 2017 after being in remission for six years. and I completed four months of intense chemotherapy in late July.

The cancer metastasized through the bones and one treatment available I am undergoing is hormone treatment.

There is no cure for Stage 4 cancer and I will continue to have exhaustive blood tests about every three months and CAT-scans and bone-scans when necessary.

I will do my best under the circumstances and I take this as another challenge - a big one.

Ed Harrison

Comments

The purpose of the comments is to allow Newcastle United fans and others to express their views on the news of the day concerning the Newcastle United Football Club.

We'd ask that you be civil towards other readers and refrain from obscene language and any comments on religion, ethnic groups or politics.

Let's make this work - and let's help the Newcastle United Football Club become great again.

Ed Harrison

Kacper Tylenda Website Designer

One of our avid readers Kacper Tylenda from Poland was the person who came in during April, 2017 and redesigned this web-site from top to bottom.

We think he did a fantastic job to modernize the site with the roll-out on Thursday May 18th surprisingly smooth.

I am so appreciative of his help.

Kacper is starting his own business in web-design so if you want a website built or know of people who want to redo their sites in any way – here’s his portfolio.

football club

It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city. It’s a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his father’s hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love.